cuts & grazes - in the garden

[Tusky]

help ! I'm probably being completely neurotic but my son cut his finger on an old snail shell this afternoon- it bled quite a lot and I bathed his grimy paw with a wet flannel (wont let me put it under tap)and dabbed on some TCP (much howling)-probably because I'm really tired today I started to think what if he gets tetanus or something (even though he had the jab when he was a baby)and obsessing about that kind of thing- I guess it's just anxiety about doing the right thing and being a good mum - sorry to drone on,but sometimes (and generally I'm quite calm and sensible)things just go a bit loopy....anyone else like that,or am I a complete nutter ?

Surely he won't get tetanus if he had the jabs as a baby? mine had those jabs and they are always cutting themselves in the garden. I think tetanus jabs must be quite effective as it's so rare these days. Hope so anyway! Must say, my children love the ritual of cotton wool, Savlon, sticking plasters and mum's complete attention.

yes,I'm sure you're right Sml, I was just being silly-he seems quite pleased with his plaster !

Lots of blood is good, [though not too much, of course!] as the flow washes away any germs lurking around. But I'm sure you don't need to worry, if he's up to date with jabs. If you're still worried you could call your practice nurse or NHS Direct and ask their opinion.

Tusky, I know the feeling. My son chinned himself on a paving stone in the garden the other day because I thought it really was about time he got himself down the two steps to the lawn. All I could think of was tooth loss and tetanus whereas all he had was a bruised chin and a scrape that was so shallow it did not even bleed.
I think we all have these moments which defy logic and sense, and I think you're absolutely right to put a lot of the worry down to fatigue. I'm sure you are pretty safe from tetanus unless you have recently manured your rose beds (using HORSE manure!) and even then the jab your son had as a baby will protect him until he has his booster at five.

thank you Marina and Chairmum - sensible and reassuring advice- puts it all in proportion !
feel quite ok about it today !